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AHOSKIE – Hertford County Public Schools (HCPS) revealed its ambitious and comprehensive 2023-2028 Strategic Plan at a special event hosted at Ahoskie Elementary School Feb. 12.

The five-year plan outlines four key commitments: Academic Excellence, Staffing Excellence, Operational Excellence, and Engagement Excellence, demonstrating HCPS’ dedication to providing an exceptional education while fostering community partnerships.

Academic Excellence

A cornerstone of the plan is the commitment to Academic Excellence. HCPS aims to elevate students’ reading proficiency in third grade to an impressive 76% by 2028, with an annual increase of 11%. The plan emphasizes innovative strategies across subjects, such as engaging in English Language Arts activities, data interpretation in Mathematics, clear communication in Science, weekly debates in Social Studies, Fitness Journals in PE, and Critique Writing in Art and Music.

Additionally, HCPS is committed to strengthening STEM education, aspiring to achieve recognition as a STEM School of Distinction, aligning with state standards and the five Overarching STEM Principles.

Staffing Excellence

Staff Retention takes center stage in the commitment to Staffing Excellence. HCPS aims to enhance the school climate, instruction, and operational efficiencies by increasing staff retention rates. The Talent Pipelines initiative reflects the district and school board’s pride in seeing students from the community grow and develop locally. The Human Resources department will play a crucial role in supporting teachers, principals, and central office administrators in their professional growth within Hertford County Public Schools.

Operational Excellence

The operational focus centers on improving efficiency in the district. The district will be dedicated to streamlining finance, human resources, and operations systems. The district will Implement LED lighting, and the LINQ system will revolutionize the district, making it more energy-efficient and advancing toward a paperless environment.

The district will also aim to modernize learning spaces, conducting a facility utilization study to optimize learning environments. Safety planning initiatives will prioritize students’ and staff’s well-being, creating spaces conducive to creativity, engagement, and academic excellence.

Engagement Excellence

Recognizing the significance of community engagement, HCPS is committed to involving families, businesses, and community members. The district will focus on increasing the number of volunteers through strategic partnerships, a student mentorship program, and a high-impact volunteer tutoring program. HCPS will encourage businesses, organizations, agencies, and community groups to join in supporting student growth and development.

HCPS will also provide families with resources, including before and after-school programs, Parent Academies, and student-led mentorship and tutoring programs. These initiatives emphasize collaboration between parents and students, fostering a sense of community spirit.

“HCPS is confident that these strategic initiatives will contribute to the growth and development of students, preparing them to become successful residents of Hertford County,” said HCPS Superintendent Dr. Jesse Pratt.